Jennifer Whitmore (Wicklow, Social Democrats)

Thank you. Some 327 children are waiting for their spinal surgeries. I must say I was very surprised a couple of days ago to listen to the Minister, Deputy Stephen Donnelly, talk in the media about the horrific waiting list, the times and the impact this is having on the children. He said he was furious and deeply frustrated that this is happening and that nothing to do with the service and the scoliosis treatments over the last ten years is acceptable. He also said he was deeply frustrated that the €19 million he allocated to CHI Ireland was not used properly. We need a Minister for Health who is not just deeply frustrated and very good at describing how people feel, but who is actually taking actions to make sure children can get the treatment they need when they need it. In February, he sent in an audit team to find out exactly what happened to that €19 million. How long is it going to take to find out where the €19 million was spent? Has that report actually been delivered? I do not like talking about the Minister in his absence. I wish he was here. For parents who have to watch their children in agony, it is important to put that question.

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